Tools review site?

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toolcrazy

toolcrazy

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I have had this idea kicking around for a while. And I've revived it recently because of a thread that I read recently that wanted a separate section for tool reviews. I was thinking of starting a user review site for woodworking tools, with the focus on pen making and turning tools. This will be completely user run. And I will work with IAP and TPS for links both ways. What I would use is a forum like this one or blog software, haven't decided. This is still in the planing stages. I know there is sites that are run by individuals that do reviews, but I was thinking more toward users. I would need to figure out a domain name and I have the space to put it. Whacha think. If this flops, I'm ok with that. It is just a thought.
 
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Not a bad idea. I think maybe WOOD mag has a area on their site that has reviews. I know they have an page on their forum that just deals with tools and tool buying that I almost always do a search on before I buy a tool.
 
Originally posted by GBusardo
<br />Not a bad idea. I think maybe WOOD mag has a area on their site that has reviews. I know they have an page on their forum that just deals with tools and tool buying that I almost always do a search on before I buy a tool.
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Is that an open site? If yes, can you please share the link? [:D]
 
Originally posted by maxwell_smart007
<br />I tend to not trust the reviews of magazine editors...i've noticed a few trends in some reviewers choices, and thus I've tended to look toward more of the sites like amazon.com that have comments posted by the users...
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This is exactly why I've considered doing this site.

But I do have a couple concerns to consider. How legal is doing something like this. Are the manufacture gonna come after me for a bad review.

How do we prevent user backlash. Meaning, someone posts a bad review about, lets say, the Paul Huffman vise. And users gets mad and retaliates by attacking the user. And we end up bickering at each other instead of getting constructive criticisms.

Meanwhile, I am not getting much feedback on this idea. So, I am getting the feeling that most don't care one way or the other. So I must question the need or interest for this. I'd hate to put forth the time and money to set this up and it not get used. My guess is most people don't want to write reviews, that is fine. Like I said before, if it flops, that isn't a problem. I am out nothing except a few minute rambling on.
Thanks All,
 
I don't think it's a bad idea at all -

And as for the legal issues - in my mind, the crux of the matter is that you bought their tool, so you're entitled to an opinion of their tool. It's just the same as telling your friends at work, or a store clerk saying 'this one is better because'...

If anything, it should provide impetus for manufacturers to change their products, as they will have free, impartial market research available to them.

As far as attacks, that's a danger anytime two people interact - you just have to trust people to behave in civil and appropriate manners, and deal with issues as they arise (just like in high school!) :)

GOod luck, and let me know if I can help at all!

Andrew
 
Go for it and the sooner the better. The site will give anyone a chance to voice their first hand experiences and opinions. Anyone is entitled to their opinion and I doubt that a manufacturer would cause you any problems unless the opinions are based on lies or mis-statements of a known fact. Then you as the moderator can simply remove the false posting(s).

Just make sure that anyone that posts has properly registered in case you need to get in touch with them for any problems they may have started. I like the idea of when someone registers they have to answer an e-mail you would send them prior to their account becoming active. This confirms their current e-mail and lets you know where they are until they change IP or whatever.

Also, develop and post at the main page some legal blurb stating that you are not responsible for the postings of others and that all opinions are those of the original writers, etc. [:)]
 
Well, maybe I will just go for it. All I would need is a domain name and find the proper software to run it. And if it don't work, I will be out only the domain name and I think I can afford $7 bucks.

I will need some help moderating it. I will make those decisions at a later date. Now to find a script that can do what I want. A forum or a blog isn't going to work, I will need review software. Now to find some free software.
 
Dario,

You can probably get there through this link. If not, just go through WWW.woodmagazine.com and follow the forum buttons

http://community.woodmagazine.com/dgroups/

There are two ways to go on the site. One has reviews fromt he editors, and I have found them pretty good and not biased at all. They praise and rip every manufacturer, even their advertisers. The other way to go is to search the forum on whatever tool you are interested in, there you will probably find people like us giving opinions. IMHO WOOD is the best mag for tool reviews, bar none.

Steve, I think you should go for it. [:D] The more information we can get, the better off we are. Just for example, I would have never bought a Drill DR if some of the people onthis site didn't endorse it. I just got it today and it's awesome.
 
Well, true product review software isn't free. I think I will use a CMS instead. And throw some plugins to boot. This may be a touch more complicated for the user, but I think you all can handle it. I'm gonna test some software that I'm familiar with and see if that is going to work.
 
Ok, I am going to just use a CMS with a comment addon. I think it will work just fine. Submitted reviews will have to be reviewed by an administrator and comments also will have to be reviewed. This way there can be control so we don't end up with users slamming other users.

Now the question is what domain should I use? I need suggetions. My first thought was.
thepentoolreview.com
Any and all suggestions is appreciated. But please check for availability. TIA
 
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